MARSHALL, Texas — Hitting key buckets in the final three minutes of the game after a 30-minute delay in Ornelas Gym due to a roof leak, East Texas Baptist University held off Linfield University, 72-68, in Keys Gym, moving to 7-0. ETBU converted 24 free throws and out-rebounded Linfield with a 36-31 and shot 51 percent from the floor.
 
Due to a leak in the Ornelas Gym roof after several inches of rain were dumped on Marshall, Texas, in a short period, the game was stopped for 40 minutes. It was decided to move the game to Keys Gym (the auxiliary gym) to finish the rest of the game. The game was stopped with just over two minutes left in the first quarter.
 
Anna Beamesderfer finished with 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting and added three assists to lead the team with a career-high. Sara Cowan scored 13 points, hitting three 3-pointers and collecting four steals. Hannah Ayala added 12 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Tristan Smith contributed 10 points, converting all six of her free throw attempts and securing eight rebounds.
 
The Tigers started strong with Macey Jones scoring a jumper, assisted by Smith, to initiate the scoring. ETBU maintained its momentum with consistent scoring in the paint, contributing 10 points. Ayala added to the effort with several key rebounds and a timely jumper to keep the team ahead, 15-6, with 58 seconds left in the quarter. Despite turnovers, the Tigers capitalized on second-chance opportunities, out-rebounding Linfield 15-8. Linfield attempted to close the gap with fast-break points, but ETBU concluded the first quarter leading 15-10.
 
ETBU began the second quarter by maintaining its defensive intensity, recording five steals. Despite turnovers, they capitalized on fast breaks, generating points off turnovers. Marley Keith's jumper at 3:35 initiated a scoring run, followed by Anna Beamesderfer's layup to extend the lead to five, 24-19, at 3:09. As the quarter continued, Cowan's successful three-pointer at 1:11 widened the margin back to five, 29-24. The team concluded the second quarter with Ayala converting three free throws, pushing the Tigers' lead to 32–26 at halftime.
 
Linfield quickly tied the score in the third quarter with a series of fast-break points at 34. Keith's consistent free-throw shooting helped maintain the lead briefly, but Linfield responded with effective shooting in the paint with a three-pointer at 2:10 to take the lead, 46-44. As the quarter progressed, ETBU capitalized on free throws by Smith to extend its lead. Linfield took a 50-49 lead with 29 seconds left, but a late-game turnover by the Wildcats gave the Tigers an opportunity, which Cowan and Ayala seized with crucial 3-pointers. ETBU concluded the quarter holding a narrow advantage, leading 52–50.
 
The fourth quarter began with ETBU maintaining a narrow lead. Keith's jumper early in the quarter, assisted by Beamesderfer, set the tone and gave ETBU back the lead, 54-52. As the quarter progressed, Jones added to the home team's score with a jumper. At the same time, Beamesderfer contributed with crucial free throws to stay in front, 58-55, at 6:34. Despite Linfield's efforts to keep pace, ETBU capitalized on free-throw opportunities, with Cowan converting critical points from the line, including a fast-break 3-pointer at 1:20 to extend the lead to six, 67-61.
 
In the closing minutes, the Tigers tightened their defense, forcing turnovers while securing the lead. Cowan's consistent performance at the free-throw line helped seal the game as ETBU went 5-of-8 at the line in the final minute as the Tigers won, 72–68.